7 March 2019 | Tennis Queensland

Brisbane will host Australia’s Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group semifinal against Belarus on Easter weekend, from 20-21 April 2019.

The tie will be played on hardcourt at Pat Rafter Arena and is expected to be led by Queensland’s Ashleigh Barty who was instrumental in the team’s historic 3-2 win over USA in Asheville, North Carolina, in February.

The last time the team reached the Fed Cup semis was in 2014, when they went down to a powerhouse German team in Brisbane.

“We’re excited to play another Fed Cup tie at home, and we are very much looking forward to coming back to Brisbane,” Australian Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik said.

“The whole team, led by Ash (Barty) worked hard for the win over the USA and I can honestly say that winning the tie was one of the highlights of my career.

“Belarus has a group of incredibly strong players and we expect them to be tough. But we also know we’ll have terrific support from the fans and look forward to a great turnout in Brisbane,” Molik continued.

“We are honoured that Brisbane has been selected to host a blockbuster Fed Cup world group semifinal tie on Pat Rafter Arena,” Tennis Queensland CEO Mark Handley added.

“Off the back of an inspiring win against the USA, we couldn’t ask for a finer group of role models than our current Fed Cup team and I know our strong tennis community and sports fans alike will be keen to come and support them in their quest for a place in the World Group final for the first time since 1993.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones announced Brisbane as the host city alongside Brisbane City Councillor Krista Adams and Queensland’s No. 1 ranked 14 year old, Jess Haylo.

Belarus is one of the world’s strongest Fed Cup nations featuring current players including world No.9 Aryna Sabalenka, two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka and Brisbane International 2018 finalist Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

Single session and two-day ticket packages will go on sale to the public via Ticketek at 12.00 pm AEST (Brisbane time) on Monday 11 March at www.ticketek.com.au/fedcup.

Adult prices start at $30, concessions $25, kids $5 and family passes (two adults and two children) start at $65.

Team nominations will be announced 10 days out from the tie.